The spectrum of allergic fungal diseases of the upper and lower airways. (3rd May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodrigues, Jonathan; Caruthers, Carrie; Azmeh, Roua; Dykewicz, Mark S; Slavin, Raymond G; Knutsen, Alan P
• Is Part Of: Expert review of clinical immunology. Volume 12:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 531
• Page End: 550
• Publication Date: 2016-05-03
• Subjects: Fungal allergy -- fungal sinusitis -- allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis -- severe asthma associated with fungal sensitivity -- fungal rhinosinusitis -- ABPA -- allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis -- ABPM -- allergic bronchopulmonary mycoses -- AFS -- allergic fungal sinusitis -- AFRS -- allergy; Clinical immunology -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1586/1744666X.2016.1142874
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-666X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Fungi cause a wide spectrum of fungal diseases of the upper and lower airways. There are three main phyla involved in allergic fungal disease: (1) Ascomycota (2) Basidiomycota (3) Zygomycota . Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) causes chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms and is caused predominantly by Aspergillus fumigatus in India and Bipolaris in the United States. The recommended treatment approach for AFRS is surgical intervention and systemic steroids. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (APBA) is most commonly diagnosed in patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Long term systemic steroids are the mainstay treatment option for ABPA with the addition of an antifungal medication. Fungal sensitization or exposure increases a patient's risk of developing severe asthma and has been termed severe asthma associated with fungal sensitivity (SAFS). Investigating for triggers and causes of a patient's asthma should be sought to decrease worsening progression of the disease.